May 2008 - Vol. 6 No 1
Welcome to our May 2008 Newsletter.
In this edition:
As it turns out, much of our research since September last year has identified items originating from the UK, some of which continue the “sensible risk” and public safety thread we started several issues ago. In that context, there is relevance to us in New Zealand, particularly following the recent Mangatepopo Gorge tragedy.
- How
about a little risk in our lives?
Do we use health and safety as an excuse sometimes for not managing risk? The Health and Safety Commission in the UK and also insurers are getting hot under the collar about lily-livered bureaucrats who shy away from making responsible, risk based decisions in the name of “health and safety”. Fact is, they say, these people are too incompetent or frightened to let people have a life. Our article follows on from previous reports on how the UK is putting a more realistic perspective on risk, safety and enjoyment of life . . . [ more ]
- World
class Kiwi safety software
Have you heard about SafetyBase? It’s a professionally developed safety software system designed and hosted in New Zealand, specifically for ACC/NZS4801 and HSE Act, so why would you look elsewhere? In SafetyBase, you can have a highly developed system that will exceed your expectations and compete with or beat the specifications of expensive, inflexible imported systems. Used by chemical and drug international Bayer and the safety conscious Loadlift Equipment among others, SafetyBase saves time and wasted effort by organising all your safety management records, plans and tasks. Have a look at our product website www.safetypro.co.nz. If you like what you see, you can sign up for a free trial, or if you prefer, call Simon on 021 903 314. A trial account needs no installation, gives you total freedom and privacy and is ready to use in minutes . . . so try it now >>
- Does
back pain prevention training work?
For years, we thought part of the answer to back injuries was training in best lifting techniques, didn’t we? Now, a Finnish study suggests it could be all a waste of time. Either the messages don’t get through, or trainees are incapable of applying the techniques they learned . . . [ more ]
- Current
thinking on stress – two opinions that may surprise
you
We analyse two recently published views on stress – and find that there is increasing evidence and professional opinion that current conventional thinking may be flawed. One piece of research (which earned the author the doubtful label “heartless bitch”), essentially says that by describing or diagnosing stress in terms of human flight/fight responses can in itself turn us into more susceptible people who display “learned helplessness”. . . [ more ]
- Aussies
seek consistency in health and safety laws
Over the ditch, the Federal Government is to seek consistency over the next five years across all jurisdictions. This will be good news to any employer who deals with Australia, or has branches in more than one state over there. A legal team will review OHS legislation in each state, territory and commonwealth jurisdiction for the purpose of making recommendations on the optimal structure and content of a model OHS Act to apply nationally. The panel will consult with a broad range of stakeholders and submit its final report to the Workplace Relations Ministers' Council by the end of January 2009.
- Safety
Humour
Yes, we have some more funnies and videos. Send us some contributions. E-mail us.
Hey, you can contribute a SafetyBlog! Get on your grumpy hat and get typing! E-mail us
- What
can SafetyPro do for you?
• SafetyBase: Safety management on the web: Your current option for an e-system
• You need mentoring while you develop your safety system? E-mail us.
• You need an audit or pre audit to ACC or 4801 standard. E-mail us.
• Safety training for your personnel.
• A selection of OHS management systems.
• Specific hazard or compliance advice. E-mail us.
E-mail us or call (64) 9 535 4355.
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